These videos are simply incredible. Sure there are many time lapse videos of various parts of The Earth with programmes such as Planet Earth being top class examples of them. They are simply awe-inspiring, humbling and memorizing. It's hard not to feel insignificant up against the power and glory of nature; everything from the colours, the ferocity of change to the simply endless night skies. These videos shot by photography Terje Sorgjerd, the first shot in and around Kirkenes and Pas National Park bordering Russia and the second in the Spainish albums.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Let Your Ideas Be Free.
This is a lovely little video by Langara College and Rethink to advertise their art directors and designer courses. It's cute and well executed guide on how to produce the best ideas you possibility can (although nothing groundbreakingly new), just a shame about the really annoying music.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
City And Colour: Royal Albert Hall
Just over a year ago I journeyed to London town, Kentish Forum to be precise, and witnessed one of the best gigs I had ever been to in the form of City and Colour. I expected it to be good, I knew the man had talent and had seen him perform with Alexisonfire, but I did not expect the performance I got that night. The power and emotion in his voice surprised me and ran shivers through my spine. A year later, I traveled back to London, but this time to an even more illustrious venue, The Royal Albert Hall, to see the man Dallas Green again. And the night more than matched the night in Kentish Forum. I was expecting his incredible voice this time, and I expect more magic, and that is what I got.
It was slightly weird as the venue filled with tattoos, piercings, fringes and skinny jeans, a crowd very much juxtaposed to the venue. This is not a place for Alexisonfire and City And Colour fans. Just being sat down as opposed to being jostled around in a sweaty moshpit, in such a venue, seemed a little surreal and even uncomfortable for most. This is the job of support, to warm up the crowd and get them ready for the main act. That night the support was provided my a new favourite of mine, James Vincent McMorrow, much more suitable than Sharks who had supported the previous year, and he more than stepped upto the mark. It may have been daunting warming up a crowd of Dallas and Alexisonfire adorers especially when he's very much in the same singer-songwriter category, but it did not show. James' voice was just as powerful and emotional as the one that would follow, you could feel the songs and lyrics. Boy did good.
Then it was time for Dallas Green as City and Colour. As he walked onto the stage with his band, the noise level went up with cries of adoration and admiration from the crowd. It was soon clear that Dallas only gets better. I hate to repeat the words powerful and emotional, but those really are the words that can't be avoided when you hear Dallas live. The set followed a familiar format, with band, by himself and then rejoined by his band of hometown friends. It is when he holds the stage alone that you get sucked into the performance, it's memorizing and intense. His performance of Like Knives (video I filmed below) was one of the highlights for me, he told us that it was one of the first songs he wrote and played it to his mother for her approval.
Between songs Dallas spoke to the crowd with his usual shyness and humanity (saying "it's not me up here and you down there, we're all here together"), yet he proved he has wit and humor to match many. (As he asked for the house lights to be turned on to see the venue and crowd someone yelled "I've got an erection!", only for Dallas to reply "Well it's taken 9 songs to find the funny guy in the audience".) There was one stage, just before Body In A Box, where he asked the crowd to put away their phones and cameras, just for one song. Not because he had a problem with people filming or taking pictures, but because he felt that everyone tries so hard to make memories on an event, they forget to enjoy the event as it happens. Very true. He then apologised for sounding like a Dad. His setlist was a perfect mix of some of his earliest songs to tracks of his new album, out in June. Although one of the surprises of the night was his cover of Adele's Hometown Glory (below). Covers are often overused, and just seem like they are performed for the sake of it. However this cover seemed perfect, Dallas even said he wish he had written the song himself, not just in terms of a match of incredible voices but you could feel Dallas sing the lyrics, though it not his own song.
The gig could have gone on and no one would have minded apart from the Albert Hall staff, though there are worse ways to be earn a living than watch Dallas, but it had to end at some point. Even in the encore Dallas surprised the crowd with his song choices. He turned the end of Comin' Home into James Blake's Wilhelm Scream, a nice touch. And he then sat down at a piano for the first time that evening and performed a "sort of cover", Happiness By The Kilowatt, by his other band Alexisonfire (below). It was a special moment to see him draw on a song he helped write so many years ago, for a band so different to his solo performance, to end a special night. It's hard not to love Dallas Green, he's talented, emotional, funny, shy and humble and puts on a wonderful night on a consistent basis it would seem. I simple can't wait for him to come back this autumn.
It was slightly weird as the venue filled with tattoos, piercings, fringes and skinny jeans, a crowd very much juxtaposed to the venue. This is not a place for Alexisonfire and City And Colour fans. Just being sat down as opposed to being jostled around in a sweaty moshpit, in such a venue, seemed a little surreal and even uncomfortable for most. This is the job of support, to warm up the crowd and get them ready for the main act. That night the support was provided my a new favourite of mine, James Vincent McMorrow, much more suitable than Sharks who had supported the previous year, and he more than stepped upto the mark. It may have been daunting warming up a crowd of Dallas and Alexisonfire adorers especially when he's very much in the same singer-songwriter category, but it did not show. James' voice was just as powerful and emotional as the one that would follow, you could feel the songs and lyrics. Boy did good.
Then it was time for Dallas Green as City and Colour. As he walked onto the stage with his band, the noise level went up with cries of adoration and admiration from the crowd. It was soon clear that Dallas only gets better. I hate to repeat the words powerful and emotional, but those really are the words that can't be avoided when you hear Dallas live. The set followed a familiar format, with band, by himself and then rejoined by his band of hometown friends. It is when he holds the stage alone that you get sucked into the performance, it's memorizing and intense. His performance of Like Knives (video I filmed below) was one of the highlights for me, he told us that it was one of the first songs he wrote and played it to his mother for her approval.
Between songs Dallas spoke to the crowd with his usual shyness and humanity (saying "it's not me up here and you down there, we're all here together"), yet he proved he has wit and humor to match many. (As he asked for the house lights to be turned on to see the venue and crowd someone yelled "I've got an erection!", only for Dallas to reply "Well it's taken 9 songs to find the funny guy in the audience".) There was one stage, just before Body In A Box, where he asked the crowd to put away their phones and cameras, just for one song. Not because he had a problem with people filming or taking pictures, but because he felt that everyone tries so hard to make memories on an event, they forget to enjoy the event as it happens. Very true. He then apologised for sounding like a Dad. His setlist was a perfect mix of some of his earliest songs to tracks of his new album, out in June. Although one of the surprises of the night was his cover of Adele's Hometown Glory (below). Covers are often overused, and just seem like they are performed for the sake of it. However this cover seemed perfect, Dallas even said he wish he had written the song himself, not just in terms of a match of incredible voices but you could feel Dallas sing the lyrics, though it not his own song.
The gig could have gone on and no one would have minded apart from the Albert Hall staff, though there are worse ways to be earn a living than watch Dallas, but it had to end at some point. Even in the encore Dallas surprised the crowd with his song choices. He turned the end of Comin' Home into James Blake's Wilhelm Scream, a nice touch. And he then sat down at a piano for the first time that evening and performed a "sort of cover", Happiness By The Kilowatt, by his other band Alexisonfire (below). It was a special moment to see him draw on a song he helped write so many years ago, for a band so different to his solo performance, to end a special night. It's hard not to love Dallas Green, he's talented, emotional, funny, shy and humble and puts on a wonderful night on a consistent basis it would seem. I simple can't wait for him to come back this autumn.
Music Wednesday 48.
Wednesday?? I know, I'm sorry. I've been in London the last few days, mainly to see City and Colour (more of that is to come later), so this is the first chance I've had to catch up. But never fear, it is definitely worth the wait.
Skrillex - Slats Slats Slats
Straight in there, this is how to start off this week's post: some electro-dub dance from DJ Skrillex. I've literally had this tune on repeat all week. I love the rhythms, the contrast of dub and trance horns, the way it bounces around all of the place. It's just so perfect for summer, just imagine this with some cider and sun. See?
Lower Than Atlantis - Motorway of Life
And whilst the tempo's high, Lower Than Atlantis. It's rare for a band in this genre to sound this good live, trust me I've seen of them, and with another track from their new album it only makes me want to see them more. It's nothing boundary stretching, but sometimes it's good to sit in the familiar.
Tom Vek - A Chore
Yeah Tom Vek is back, pretty much from out of the blue. It's a great comeback single coupled with a cool video. Just enjoy, the man is back.
Frank Ocean - Swim
If you know Odd Future, then you'll probably know of Tyler, Hodgy Beats and Earl, but here's the latest talent to emerge from the gang, Frank Ocean. Have a listen. Yes he really is in Odd Future, I know. It doesn't really make sense, this is so not OF, but it really shows the diversity and talent this group has in there, which will only continue their destruction and dominance of the music industry.
Skrillex - Slats Slats Slats
Straight in there, this is how to start off this week's post: some electro-dub dance from DJ Skrillex. I've literally had this tune on repeat all week. I love the rhythms, the contrast of dub and trance horns, the way it bounces around all of the place. It's just so perfect for summer, just imagine this with some cider and sun. See?
Lower Than Atlantis - Motorway of Life
And whilst the tempo's high, Lower Than Atlantis. It's rare for a band in this genre to sound this good live, trust me I've seen of them, and with another track from their new album it only makes me want to see them more. It's nothing boundary stretching, but sometimes it's good to sit in the familiar.
Tom Vek - A Chore
Yeah Tom Vek is back, pretty much from out of the blue. It's a great comeback single coupled with a cool video. Just enjoy, the man is back.
Frank Ocean - Swim
If you know Odd Future, then you'll probably know of Tyler, Hodgy Beats and Earl, but here's the latest talent to emerge from the gang, Frank Ocean. Have a listen. Yes he really is in Odd Future, I know. It doesn't really make sense, this is so not OF, but it really shows the diversity and talent this group has in there, which will only continue their destruction and dominance of the music industry.
Friday 22 April 2011
Beatle Fighters.
It's all about The Foo Fighters this week, clearly. This week on The David Letterman show they played some of the tracks of their pretty darn good new album Wasting Light. However it was all shot in black and white, and there's a certain hint of a pretty popular band from Liverpool in there somewhere. As if you needed it, more proof that Dave Grohl and The Foos are simply incredible.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
Foo Fighters: True Garage Band.
This is just plain and simple too cool. Foo Fighters being just the swell guys that they are held a competition where the lucky winners got to host a Foo Fighters gig in their own garage. Yeah you read that right. Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl et al, in your own garage. Too cool.
Note to other bands - DO THIS.
Note to other bands - DO THIS.
I Need Some Art.
Art is a beast that takes many different forms, paintings, buildings, clothes, music, books, the list is endless. But what I loved most about this project by Made was that it was a single piece of art taken across the boundaries into other art forms, a rare thing. Here, the song I Need A Dollar by the amazing Aloe Blacc was taken first by composer/producer/violinist Mihalj "Miki" Kekenj to give it his own twist and then my artist Jaybo to create a canvas inspired by the song. I thought this was a really unique idea and it was pulled off very successfully by three clearly very talented and artistic fellows. And the fact that there is even more to come, makes it even better.
Monday 18 April 2011
Kanye West X Coachella Festival.
Say whatever you want about Kanye West, and most do, you cannot deny his talent and the dedication he has to showing off his talents. Last night at Coachella festival he went all out. Not that I was there of course, put the numerous Twitpics and these videos show more than prove it. The show involved Kanye hovering over the crowd on a shining platform and even got Bon Iver to join in on the fun. Shame the quality isn't great, but I'll keep my eyeout for some HDs. This should do you for now.
This one gets a bit emotional.
Music Monday 47.
Kid Cudi - Capcom
Yes! Something new from Cudi! MOTM2 was a bit of let down, let's be honest, which is a shame for a man with so much talent and depth, maybe too much depth. He's promised to step away from the dark for his new work, whether he means it or not is another matter, and you can definitely see this in this track. He seems to go happy sing a long chorus, dark and speedy verse, not 100% if it works, but so good to hear something new.
Childish Gambino - Break (All Of The Lights Remix)
The ever ambitious Childish Gambino takes on Kanye's monster track All Of The Lights and he succeeds, boy does he succeed. He strips back the original track, adds in some acoustic guitar and then just goes for it. I still think it sounds a little strange when he goes hard and aggressive, he just seems too nice for that, nevertheless, he did Kanye proud.
Fleet Foxes — Montezuma
Now for a chance of pace my lovely listeners, here's the latest track from Fleet Foxes' new album Helplessness Blues. It's beautiful. You can imagine this being played in a church. Sit back and enjoy.
Volcano Choir - Blue Ni Ni
With strong rumors of a new Bon Iver album due out in June, it's good to see Justin Vernon still has to time to put out new material with his band Volcano Choir. It's as transfixing and melodic as you would expect, some familiar riffs in there, yet it sounds completely new. And completely awesome.
Koan Sound - Wide Open
I can't say too much about this band, because I know absolutely nothing. But I really like their instrumental, semi-dub, semi-electro vibes. I've got a feeling this is going to be a perfect band for the summer months.
Yes! Something new from Cudi! MOTM2 was a bit of let down, let's be honest, which is a shame for a man with so much talent and depth, maybe too much depth. He's promised to step away from the dark for his new work, whether he means it or not is another matter, and you can definitely see this in this track. He seems to go happy sing a long chorus, dark and speedy verse, not 100% if it works, but so good to hear something new.
Childish Gambino - Break (All Of The Lights Remix)
The ever ambitious Childish Gambino takes on Kanye's monster track All Of The Lights and he succeeds, boy does he succeed. He strips back the original track, adds in some acoustic guitar and then just goes for it. I still think it sounds a little strange when he goes hard and aggressive, he just seems too nice for that, nevertheless, he did Kanye proud.
Fleet Foxes — Montezuma
Now for a chance of pace my lovely listeners, here's the latest track from Fleet Foxes' new album Helplessness Blues. It's beautiful. You can imagine this being played in a church. Sit back and enjoy.
Volcano Choir - Blue Ni Ni
With strong rumors of a new Bon Iver album due out in June, it's good to see Justin Vernon still has to time to put out new material with his band Volcano Choir. It's as transfixing and melodic as you would expect, some familiar riffs in there, yet it sounds completely new. And completely awesome.
Koan Sound - Wide Open
I can't say too much about this band, because I know absolutely nothing. But I really like their instrumental, semi-dub, semi-electro vibes. I've got a feeling this is going to be a perfect band for the summer months.
Saturday 16 April 2011
Tattoo Tradition.
This video from New York tattoo shop NY Adorned really shows how far tattoos have come. The quality of design, skill and the acceptance in society are all shown in high glory in this video titled Tradition. I adore, sorry, the filming, music and voice-over to this video, it really inspires me to work up the balls and finish the design to get my first tattoo, and this video only makes me what to hurry up.
Inside The Rage.
Inside the mind of Kid Cudi is a scary place to be, one imagines. Cudi is famed for his dark, emo and stoned approach to both his music and life, yet he seems like the sort of guy that would be actually be a great deal of fun to be around. A complex character.
Here is the full documentary from Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager. It's very cool. As you expect, it's as dark and it is fun. Some of the imagery in it is very cool and the concerts look intense, a great insight into the mind and life of Kid Cudi.
Friday 15 April 2011
Blanketly Blank.
Thursday 14 April 2011
Travis Barker X Tinie Tempah X Lucozade
I didn't see this one coming.
British rapper Tinie Tempah and Blink 182 super-drummer Travis Barker team up to produce a song and video for Lucozade Sport. And it's good. Really good in fact. The song showcases both the talents to their best and the video has some serious execution and cinematography behind it. The only thing I don't like is the "YES" at the end, it doesn't make sense. And as good as it all is, it just doesn't make sense, it's Lucozade Sport, neither of the stars are sportsmen, sure there's some boxing in the video, but it's like they got the two, came up with a cool song and video and then just stuck a picture of the bottle at the end. Shame, but it's still a decent ad.
British rapper Tinie Tempah and Blink 182 super-drummer Travis Barker team up to produce a song and video for Lucozade Sport. And it's good. Really good in fact. The song showcases both the talents to their best and the video has some serious execution and cinematography behind it. The only thing I don't like is the "YES" at the end, it doesn't make sense. And as good as it all is, it just doesn't make sense, it's Lucozade Sport, neither of the stars are sportsmen, sure there's some boxing in the video, but it's like they got the two, came up with a cool song and video and then just stuck a picture of the bottle at the end. Shame, but it's still a decent ad.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Winter Wonderland.
Seeing as I have just returned from my own winter wonderful in the shape of Val Thorens ski resort, this feels like an appropriate post. Navid Baraty's series, originally named 'Blizzard', captures Brooklyn after their snow-storm. The thing I especially appreciate in this series is the framing of the shot, I'm a big fan of symmetry and some of this photos take this to perfection.
Brr.
Brr.
Monday 11 April 2011
Music Monday 46: Bumper Edition
Yes, I missed one, I'm sorry. I'M SORRY! But I was in the French Alps snowboarding so I'm not really that sorry. But to make it up to you, here's another bumper edition. No words, just music.
City and Colour - Fragile Bird
Death Cab For Cutie - You Are A Tourist
Beastie Boys - Make Some Noise
Shad & Skratch Bastid - Give You All I Can
Hoodie Allen - NY is Killing Me (Prod. by Jamie XX)
Childish Gambino - The Longest Text Message
Hodgy Beats - Mystery
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
City and Colour - Fragile Bird
Death Cab For Cutie - You Are A Tourist
Beastie Boys - Make Some Noise
Shad & Skratch Bastid - Give You All I Can
Hoodie Allen - NY is Killing Me (Prod. by Jamie XX)
Childish Gambino - The Longest Text Message
Hodgy Beats - Mystery
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
Flying Ansari.
Here's the one and only Aziz Ansari crowd-surfing at LCD Soundsystem's last ever show.
Just too cool.
Just too cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)